The story takes place in the fictional town of Bon Temps, Louisiana, two years after vampires have made their presence known to mankind, and follows telepathic waitress Sookie Stackhouse as she attempts to solve a series of murders that seem to be motivated by a hatred of vampires.
As part of the vampire ritual, Bill buries himself in the ground with Jessica???—?…s body, waiting for her to turn. After being attacked at Merlotte???—?…s, Sookie once again has Sam stay with her for protection and the two start growing much closer in Bill???—?…s absence.